Archive for October, 2008
How To Save Money On A New Car
by admin on Oct.15, 2008, under Car Tips
How To Save Money On A New Car
Most people only consider a new car’s sticker price when they’re shopping for a vehicle. They may give a cursory nod to fuel efficiency and dependability. They might even consider the impact of tax, licensing, and registration. But, often, a new car’s brilliant shine and competitive price are the main focus. Unfortunately, shopping by price alone can distract buyers’ attention from factors that can affect the true cost of a car over the long run. This is the primary reason why buying cars can be so expensive. The sticker price may be attractive, but it doesn’t reflect the long-term cost of owning the car. Below, I’ll explain how to quickly research cars in order to find the best value for your money.
Research And Due Diligence
Today, researching new vehicles is much simpler than several years ago. You can access most of the information you need online. That can include reading reviews at ConsumerReports.org, ordering detailed reports for specific models you’re interested in, and finding out what other buyers are saying about those cars. By doing your due diligence before approaching a dealer, you’ll be able to identify cars that meet your unique needs at a price that fits your budget. What’s more, you’ll be better prepared to negotiate with the dealer.
Don’t Forget Car Insurance
A lot of people forget that car insurance premiums can be influenced by the type of cars they purchase and the kinds of features they include. For example, a Ford Taurus may only cost $1,000 per year to insure. Meanwhile, cars that are targeted by thieves such as Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, and Nissan Sentras may command higher insurance premiums. This is especially true if those vehicles have options like xenon headlights.
Value And Dependability
Your car’s dependability and value retention have a substantial impact on its overall cost. If you’re forced to have mechanical problems repaired often, the low sticker price of a new car won’t matter much. Even if those repairs are covered by the warranty, the time it takes to drop your vehicle off at the dealer and secure a rental car can be significant. Also, some cars retain very little value after 5 years. If you’re planning to sell the car later or trade it in for a new one, its low resale value carries its own cost.
When you’re preparing to buy a new car, take the time to look beyond the sticker price. Do your research to identify a car that will suit your needs while meeting your budget. Consider the insurance premiums you’ll have to pay. If possible, speak with an insurance agent about the model you’re thinking about buying. Finally, keep in mind that your new vehicle’s dependability and resale value play a major role in the long-term cost of owning it. With these things in mind, you’re ready to negotiate a good deal that makes sense over the long term.
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The Road To Car Depreciation
by admin on Oct.15, 2008, under American Classic Cars
The Road To Car Depreciation
Cars are, by nature, depreciable assets. Aside from the odd collectible, vehicles lose value each year. That said, most drivers are surprised to learn how quickly their cars lose that value. It’s something that most people neglect to think about whenever they shop for a new car. But, depreciation in your vehicle’s value is the primary reason why most financial planners recommend keeping your old car rather than purchasing a new one. After all, from a fiscal perspective, there are few reasons to spend money for an asset that loses value so quickly.
Below, I’ll explain car depreciation in more detail. We’ll discuss sticker price, resale value, and what you can do to help ensure your used car retains as much value as possible.
More To Value Than Sticker Price
Most car salespeople understand intuitively that prospective buyers look at a car’s sticker price first. With gas prices climbing higher, they might then look at fuel efficiency. But, it’s the rare buyer who seriously considers a vehicle’s resale value when shopping for a new car. However, shopping by sticker price is a foolhardy strategy. It’s not reflective of what the car will be worth after a few years. And because depreciation is the single most expensive factor in purchasing a new car, it deserves priority.
Most automotive experts agree that cars lose, on average, between 15% and 20% of their value after each year. From another perspective, a new car will be worth approximately 35% of its sticker price after 5 years. So, that dazzling new $25,000 Ford Mustang will only fetch $8,750 at the end of its fifth year.
Ensuring Your Car’s Resale Value
Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to help support your car’s resale value. Experts suggest that owners avoid unconventional interiors or exteriors. They may look great today, but they’ll become dated quickly and pull your vehicle’s value down. Also, cars with traditional body styles tend to hold their value more effectively than vehicles with radical styles. Finally, if possible, invest in features that owners will consider attractive or important down the road. For example, when air bags were optional, a lot of car buyers included them within their vehicles. Years later, cars with air bags commanded a premium.
Setting Your Expectations
Your car, whether new or used, is going to depreciate. There’s no way to avoid it. The important thing is to understand how that depreciation affects your financial investment in a vehicle. If buyers considered the influence of depreciation when shopping for new cars, it’s likely that many of them would rethink their decision to get rid of their old cars.
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Will this Car Owner Vote For Obama?
by admin on Oct.14, 2008, under American Classic Cars
Will this Car Owner Vote For Obama?
The elections for the President of the United States is just weeks away, one more debate is on it way, and we just have to say, or ask rather for your opinions.
Will this Car Owner Vote For Obama?
Will this car owner vote for Obama?
What do you think? Will The owner of this Mini Redneck General Lee Dukes of Hazard wannbe vote for Obama or Mccain in the next election!!
Or this Car Owner?
Who will I vote for McCain or Osama?
Sound off with your thoughts!